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• International Scholarship for OHNS Surgical Education 2026

  APPLICATIONS FOR 2026 ARE NOW OPEN

  The Australian Society of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery is pleased to invite applications for the ASOHNS International Scholarship for Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Surgical Education for 2026.

  This scholarship, up to the amount of $12,000, will provide otolaryngology, head and neck surgeons from developing countries in the Asia Pacific region with the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational opportunities for faculty development and enhancement that will result in acquisition of new knowledge and skills in surgical education and training.

  For more information visit the International Scholarship for OHNS Surgical Education 2026 page - click here

• Standard Registrations for ASOHNS ASM 2026 are still open!

  Standard Registration is Valid through to Friday 20 February 2026. For registration information please click here

• Congratulations to Professor Kelvin Kong AM who will deliver the 2026 Wang Gungwu Lecture this evening

  Keynote speaker, Professor Kelvin Kong AM, a Worimi man of Malaysian-Chinese heritage is recognised as Australia's first Indigenous surgeon. He is a Paediatric & Adult Otorhinolaryngology (ENT), Head & Neck Surgeon and leading advocate for health equity. 

  This annual lecture celebrates the substantial and longstanding contributions of Australia’s diverse Chinese communities to Australian life. 

  The lecture is named after the pre-eminent scholar on China and Chinese diaspora communities around the world, Professor Wang Gungwu AO CBE. He was Director of the Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies at the ANU from 1975 to 1980, President of the Australian Academy of Humanities from 1980 to 1983, Chair of the Australia-China Council from 1984 to 1986, Vice Chancellor of the University of Hong Kong from 1986 to 1995, and is an ANU Professor Emeritus.  It is held in partnership with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

  The event is being held at the Great Hall, Parliament House, Canberra and will be recorded and broadcasted by the ABC. 

  Broadcast details coming soon!

• ASOHNS ASM2025 Registrations are now open

  President's Invitation

  On behalf of ASOHNS , it is my pleasure to invite you to the 75th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Australian Society of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery to be held at the iconic International Convention Centre, Sydney from Friday March 28th to Sunday, March 30th, 2025.

  
  Under the leadership of Megan Hobson as Convener and Julia Crawford as Scientific Convener, the organising committee have prepared a dynamic program that will feature renowned local and international experts sharing invaluable insights and advancements in otolaryngology, head, and neck surgery. Attendees can also participate in interactive workshops and hands-on sessions organised by leading practitioners, offering practical skills and techniques that can help improve your practice and enhance patient care. The OHN Nurses Group will run sessions parallel to the main congress program that promise to be extremely informative as well.

  
  The 75th ASOHNS Annual Scientific Meeting promises to be a highlight of the otolaryngology year, providing opportunities for education, networking, and camaraderie. Moreover, Sydney, with its iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality, provides the perfect backdrop for this gathering. Perhaps even consider extending your time in the city to further enjoy its cosmopolitan charm and beautiful beaches.

  
  Please reserve the dates of March 28–30, 2025, in your calendar. We look forward to welcoming you to Sydney for the ASOHNS Conference 2025.

• RACS NSW SURGEONS MONTH

  Each November, RACS NSW celebrates the achievements of our surgeons.

  This recognition and celebration has become much more significant this year and especially so for the ENT community.

  ENT surgeons have been a highlight at Surgeon's evening in the past years, with the prestigious Graham Coupland Lecture being given by Dr Gillian Dunlop 2018 and A.Prof Kelvin Kong in 2019. This year Prof Raymond Sacks will be awarded the Educator of Merit award and the Graham Coupland lecture will be on the head and neck cancer surgery.  

  Secretary of health, Elizabeth Koff will the guest of honour at this formal evening, with members of the NSW health ministry and CEO's of our public and private hospitals in attendance, to show their appreciation for the Surgical workforce.

  RACS NSW State committee hope you will join us with your partners and family. 

  NSW SURGEONS' EVENING - FRIDAY 27 NOVEMBER 2020 

  The pinnacle event of the month - NSW Surgeons’ Evening is where we celebrate surgeons through the Graham Coupland Lecture presented by Professor Jonathan Clark on the topic of The Face of Head and Neck Cancer, we present awards and come together to recognise the leadership our surgeons have shown, especially throughout this unprecedented year.

  Please join us for seated, two course meal and a celebration of “Leadership in a time of Crisis”.

  $45 - Dinner & non-Alcoholic Beverages

  $60 - Dinner and alcoholic beverages

  Invitation (PDF 153.84KB)

  For further information, please email or phone +61 2 8298 4500

  Register now (login required)

  WOMEN IN SURGERY LUNCH - SUNDAY 29TH NOVEMBER 2020

  Please join us to hear from our exceptional speakers the Hon Bronnie Taylor MLC and Ms Carrie Marr Chief Executive of the Clinical Excellence Commission (CEC)   

  Venue: RACS NSW Office, Suite 1, Level 26, 201 Kent Street, Sydney

  Arrival 12.15pm, Lunch and Program 12.30pm – 2.30pm

  Tickets:

  Lunch and Alcoholic Beverages - $40

  Lunch and Non-Alcoholic Beverages - $30

  Event information:  Click here

  Due to current restrictions, limited spaces available.

  Register now: Click here

• JOINT MEDIA RELEASE FROM BRENDAN MURPHY AND NICK COATSWORTH AUTHORISED BY GREG HUNT, THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH

  Dear Members / Trainees

  Please see message below and a link to the joint media statement from Brendan Murphy & Nick Coatsworth, authorised by Greg Hunt, on the easing of certain elective surgery restrictions. 

  We will be in touch with further detail as this becomes available.

  Kind regards,

  Federal Secretariat 

  ---------------------------------------------------------------

  Click here for the full media release in PDF

  Minister Hunt’s office issued the media release regarding the easing of elective surgery restrictions.

  The Prime Minister’s office has also issued a media statement, Update on Coronavirus Measures, that includes the following section about elective surgery.

  Elective surgery

  National Cabinet received up-to-date data on the stock of personnel protective equipment (PPE) in the National Medical Stockpile, and PPE held by state and territory health systems. PPE stocks and other equipment such as ventilators are now largely sufficient to meet expected demand for Australia’s COVID19 response through to December 2020, with current social distancing and travel restriction measures in place. 

  National Cabinet noted that the National Medical Stockpile does not replace state, territory or private processes to source and deliver PPE to meet their needs. To date, the National Medical Stockpile has dispatched over 22 million masks primarily to state and territories, GP’s, Community Pharmacy, ACHHOS and aged care, with a further 11.5 million being dispatched this week.

  Unnecessarily delaying elective surgeries can worsen health outcomes, increase anxiety and reduce social and economic productivity. 

  As result of Australia’s success in flattening the curve, our low rates of COVID related hospitalisation and new data on stocks of PPE, National Cabinet agreed that from 27 April 2020, category 2 and equivalent procedures can recommence across the public and private hospital sectors. 

  As result of Australia’s success in flattening the curve, our low rates of COVID related hospitalisation and new data on stocks of PPE, National Cabinet agreed that from 27 April 2020, category 2 and some important category 3 procedures can recommence across the public and private hospital sectors. 

  National Cabinet further agreed that the following procedures can recommence from 27 April 2020:

  ·         IVF

  ·         Screening programs (cancer and other diseases)

  ·         Post cancer reconstruction procedures (such as breast reconstruction)

  ·         Procedures for children under 18 years of age.

  ·         Joint replacements (incl knees, hips, shoulders)

  ·         Cataracts and eye procedures

  ·         Endoscopy and colonoscopy procedures

  PPE stocks for these elective surgeries and procedures will not be taken from the National Medical Stockpile.

  It is estimated that a gradual restart of elective surgeries will see 1 in 4 closed elective surgery operating lists reopen, with flexibility for states to determine the appropriate levels of elective surgery within this general framework.

  Reintroduction of elective surgery in a staged manner balances the ongoing need for the capacity to treat COVID-19 patients, while allowing our hospitals to treat elective surgery patients.

  These arrangements will be reviewed by 11 May 2020, to determine if other elective surgeries and procedures can recommence and volumes increased.

  National Cabinet further agreed to the Australian Dental Association recommendation that dentists move to level 2 restrictions (such as fitting dentures, braces, non-high speed drill fillings and basic fillings), allowing a broader range of dental interventions to occur where the risk of transmission can be managed and PPE stocks procured by the private sector.

  National Cabinet again thanked Australia’s health care professionals for their work to support our COVID-19 response.

  Kind regards,

  Ben Houston

  Acting Director – Health Communication

   

  Communication and Change Branch | People, Communication and Parliamentary Division

  Australian Government Department of Health

  T: 02.6289.5745 | E: benjamin.houston@health.gov.au

  PO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601

  Level 3 Sirius Building North, Furze St. Woden ACT

   

  The Department of Health acknowledges the traditional owners of country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to elders both past and present.